Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding the construction of the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State.
The controversy followed a recent social media post by FIFA showing the half-completed Benin-Kebbi Stadium, which sparked public outrage and questions over how funds allocated for the project were utilized.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick described the allegations as “completely misconstrued,” stressing that FIFA maintains strict financial monitoring of all Goal Projects funded under its global development initiative.
“If FIFA gives you their money, they audit their money — they know everything from A to Z, and they have standards. So if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was it in naira? Less than ₦400 million. That’s what people don’t know,” he explained.
Pinnick said the project followed due process and was executed according to FIFA’s guidelines, despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was no variation despite the challenges. Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to verify facts before making accusations, emphasizing that his administration maintained transparency and accountability throughout its tenure.
The FIFA Goal Project is an initiative designed to enhance football infrastructure globally. However, in Nigeria, it has attracted mixed reactions due to the incomplete or deteriorating state of some of the facilities built under the scheme.